1. Home
  4. 2002
  5. Common Problems, Issues, Recalls, and Reliability

Common Problems, Issues, Recalls, and Reliability

  • ABS Light Due to Brake System Control Unit Failure

    The Anti-lock brake system (ABS) control unit may fail internally causing the ABS warning light to illuminate.

  • Internal Faults in Distributor Can Cause Engine Problems

    The distributor may develop internal faults. This can cause a rough running engine or stalling condition and the Check Engine Light may or may not illuminate. The distributor should be overhauled or replaced to correct this concern.

  • Replace Fuel Filter Every 30,000 to Prevent Fuel Pump Failure

    The fuel pump may fail causing the engine to stall and not restart. Our technicians recommend replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help prevent undue strain on the fuel pump.

  • Fuel Level Sensor Failure

    It is common for the fuel level sensor in the fuel tank read the fuel level incorrectly. The sensor must be replaced to correct the condition. Our technicians recommend having the complete fuel pump module replaced on high mileage vehicles.

  • Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil

    The intake manifold gasket may develop and external engine oil or coolant leak. In some cases, an internal coolant leak may occur causing coolant to mix with the engine oil. Running the engine with a coolant/oil mix may result in engine damage. Replacing the intake manifold gasket should correct this issue.

  • Transmission Output Seal May Leak and Mount Replacement

    A fluid leak may develop from the transmission output shaft seal. This leak may cause the transmission mount to become oil soaked and require replacement of the mount along with the leak repair.

  • Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue

    A loose or worn gas cap may cause check engine light to illuminate.

  • AC Blower Inop Due to Failed Resistor

    The HVAC blower motor may stop working at one or more speeds due to a faulty blower motor resistor block. Our technicians recommend to confirm the resistor is at fault by first checking the operation of the switch.

  • Serpentine Belt Tensioner May Fail

    The serpentine belt tensioner can fail; it may become noisy and/or the belt may jump off. Replacement of the failed tensioner will be necessary.

  • Service transmission every 30,000 miles

    Our technicians highly recommend that the transmission is serviced every 30,000 miles to avoid problems and maintain optimal operating order.

  • CD Player in Radio May Fail

    The CD player in the radio may fail. Our technicians tell us that the radio will need to be removed and sent out to a radio repair shop to correct this condition.

  • Instrument Panel Lights Flickering and Exterior Lights Intermittent

    The headlight switch used on the GMC Sonoma is known to fail through normal operation. Since the headlight switch is also integrated into the interior lights, a malfunctioning switch can cause issues with interior lights as well.

    • Symptoms of a failed headlight switch include:
    • Headlights and taillights failing to turn on or off
    • Interior lights flicker, or fail to turn on or off
    • Gauge cluster lighting off or flickering with headlights on
    • Parking light malfunctions

    This issue is well known with General Motors Trucks and SUVs, and is solved by testing and, if needed, replacing the headlight/dimmer switch. Bad grounding wires at the tail-lights, and dirty/corroded tow package wires can also lead to some of these issues.

  • Flush cooling system every 60,000 miles

    GM recommends replacing the engine coolant at 100,000 miles; however, our technicians tell us that the coolant may become contaminated and require a complete cooling system flush every 60,000 to 70,000 miles.

  • Check Engine Light With Code P1870

    Vehicles equipped whit a 4 speed automatic transmission may develop a harsh 1-2 shift and/or illumination of the Check Engine Light with code P1870 stored. This can be caused by wear of the bore for the TCC isolator and regulator valves in the valve body. This condition does not commonly occur until the transmission reaches normal operating temperature. If the valve body is worn, replacement will be necessary to correct this concern.

  • Power Window Motors May Fail From Overheating

    A door window may move slowly or stop in mid travel due to a failing power window motor . The affected window may start working again after the motor cools off. Replacing the faulty window motor will commonly correct this concern.

  • Distributor Shaft O-Ring Seal May Leak Oil

    An engine oil leak may develop from the distributor shaft o-ring seal.

2002 Questions and Answers

Related Questions

  • Gmc Sonoma 02 Sonoma V6. Wont Shift Out Of First.

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 92, 005 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump, replace-remove

    2002 GMC Sonoma changed fuel pump, fuel filter. Ran for day now wont shift out of first gear. How do I fix this? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Sunday,..

  • Gmc Sonoma My Driver Side Tire Is Making A Rubbing Noise What...

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 173, 000 MILES

    related to tires, symptoms, rub

    While driving a whoop whoop whoop noise comes from my drivers side front tire doesn't do it when I break and haven't noticed it when I turn only seems to do it while driving straight. It seems extre..

  • Gmc Sonoma Why Is The Emergency Brake Light Coming On?

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 180, 000 MILES

    related to warning-lights, brake-warning-light

    I have a 2002 GMC Sonoma that when I drive it somewhere, park for a few minuets, then dive off again the emergency brake light comes on and doesn't drive well. After about 2 miles down the road th..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 Sonoma P0171

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 70 MILES

    related to trouble-codes, p-codes-powertrain, p0100-p0199, p0171

    2002 Sonoma, P0171 system too lean, is dumping fuel, runs pretty good until reaches temp, Black smoke coming from exhaust? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } ..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 Sonoma P0171

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 70 MILES

    related to trouble-codes, p-codes-powertrain, p0100-p0199, p0171

    2002 Sonoma P0171 (System too lean Bank 1)replaced ects, cat conv, 02 sensor, has been smoked for leaks none found, 02 Sensor is reading either 0 or 4 switching bt the two, does this just indicat..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma P0300 & P0155 Codes

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 4.3L, V6, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 89, 000 MILES

    related to trouble-codes, p-codes-powertrain, p0100-p0199, p0155

    Svc. Engine soon lite came on. Scan gave me P0300 code: random misfire, and P0155: ho2s heater performance bank 2 sensor 1. Replaced o2 sensor, plugs, cap, and rotor. Problem still persis..

  • Gmc Sonoma Radiator Flush

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 72, 349 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, radiator, drain-plug

    I want to drain the radiator and put in new coolant, How do I open the drain valve 'i have never seen a valve like this one? It looks like nothing I have ever seen? @media(max-width: 960px) { ...

  • Gmc Sonoma Brake Lights Not Working

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 1.6L, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 150, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, brake-light, not-working

    All three of my brake lights do not work. I have replaced the bulbs in the tail lights with no luck. Suggestions? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Sunda..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma 4x4-stuck In 2wheel Drive Mode-no...

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 71, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, running-light

    I've a 4x4 that is stuck in two wheel drive mode. I can't switch into either 4 wheel hi or low. There are no lights on the selector switch (there use to be, they went out about 2 wks ago - that's ..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Driveline Chatter And Bad Vibration

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 110, 000 MILES

    related to general, noises, chatter

    Started w/ chatter from underneath somewhere been doing it for quite a while. Just recently starting making alot of noise underneath.I sat in the back of truck while someone else drove looked in bet..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Drivers Seat

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 175, 000 MILES

    related to interior, seat

    Hello my drivers seat just kills my back and I am wondering what other types of gmc seats will fit into my 2002 sonoma. I have several other gmc vehicles for work 2003 safari van/ 2004 canyon/ 2006..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma GMC Sonoma Code P0301

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 23, 000 MILES

    related to trouble-codes, p-codes-powertrain, p0300-p0399, p0301

    About one every 4 to 5 months I get the code P0301, #1 cylinder misfire. It almost always sets when the truck is idling. The code clears after about 50 miles and then doesn't return for another 4..

  • Gmc Sonoma Headlights Dim

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 141, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, headlight, dim

    My headlights on my driver side of my truck are very dim and they work good on the other side But what I am wondering is y my high and low beams on the drivers side is on but very dim. The bulbs ..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Noises From Left Front Wheel

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 91, 000 MILES

    related to suspension, torsion-bar

    My truck has a bad groaning, sound when I drive over any uneven surface. The sound comes from the area of the torsion bar suspension in the left front wheel area. The sound is constant as long as th..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Replace Turn Signal Switch

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 4 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 97, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, turn-signal, switch, replace-remove

    How replace Turn Signal Switch. Appears I need to pull the steering wheel after pulling the air bag. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Monday, March 22nd,..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Service Engine Lite Is On

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 99, 800 MILES

    related to warning-lights, check-engine-light

    What are the possible problems associated with the illumunation of the Service Engine Lite. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Friday, November 27th, 2009 A..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Turn Signal

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 110, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, turn-signal, switch

    When I turn on the left turn signal, the turn signal and reverse light both flash, I replaced all bulbs and the flasher and a new turn signal switch because the hazard button broke. And a new neut..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Voltage Testing At The Fuel Pump

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 126, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump, test

    How do you check for faulty fuel pump. Can't hear the pump run when the key is turned on. What should voltage readings be at the fuel pump.I have the 5 volts when the key is turned on, but can you c..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Water Pump

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 88, 000 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, water-pump, leak

    Gm just replaced the water pump in our 2002 gmc sonoma and today I noticed that there was water coming from an area right behing the front right tire. Is this a leak in the water pump or something e..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Where Is The Shaking Coming From?

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 120, 000 MILES

    related to suspension, symptoms, clunk

    When I accelerate and hit about 30 to 40 mph the steering wheel begins to shake, then goes away. Also when im stopped and let go of the brake and begin to take off there is a little clunk in the fro..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Window Motor

    2002 GMC SONOMA

    related to body, window, motor, replace-remove

    Interior problem 2002 GMC Sonoma 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic how do I remove window motor @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Saturday, Septemb..

  • Gmc Sonoma 2002 GMC Sonoma Windshield Wiper

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 6 CYL, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 70, 000 MILES

    related to body, wiper

    When I turn on my windshield wipers the driverside windshield wiper will raise approx an inch then go down while the passenger side works normal. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;..

  • Gmc Sonoma Leaking Coolant

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 4.3L, V6, 2WD, AUTOMATIC, 146, 000 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, leak

    Intake gasket replaced 1500km ago by dealer looking for cheaper fix. Is BarsAll Engine Stopleak compatable with aluminum intake and cast iron block @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: no..

  • Gmc Sonoma Lowering

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 124, 000 MILES

    related to suspension, leaf-spring

    I just got a used truck which was lowered before I bought it. When I went to look at it, the dealer raised it to stock. I was okay with that since I thought I would be able to lower it myself. I do..

  • Gmc Sonoma Power Steering Pump Pulley

    2002 GMC SONOMA, V6, RWD, AUTOMATIC, 119, 000 MILES

    related to steering, pump, pulley

    I have been trying to get the power steering pump pulley on for about a month now and I have the special kit for it, but the pulley wont go on and I think it is because the bolt that goes into the ..

  • Gmc Sonoma Roaring/howling

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 4.3L, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 60, 000 MILES

    related to general, noises, roaring

    There is what sounds like a bearing going bad when driving and especially noticeable at speeds below fifty mph and gets louder when decelerating. It is a roaring howling noise that sounds like a ba..

  • Gmc Sonoma Stalling/rpm's Surging, Codes B0090, U1096 And...

    2002 GMC SONOMA, 4.3L, V6, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 224, 000 MILES

    related to trouble-codes, u-codes, u1041

    My truck is stalling and surging when put into gear I hit the gas and it will stall out but idles fine for the most part has little surges when in idle. Then if it doesn't stall the rpm's will shoot..

2002 Maintenance and Repair